Northfield CemeteryThe sale and subsequent demolition of the Northfield Baptist Church has led to numerous problems, most glaringly, a large vacant lot at the corner of South Livingston Avenue and East Northfield Road. After the purchaser abandoned plans to develop the property, the site has been the topic of much consternation among residents.Since the dissolution of the Northfield Baptist congregation and the death of its pastor, the Rev. Peter Picos, in 2022, an ancillary question has arisen as to who is now responsible for the maintenance of the nearby Northfield Cemetery. The historic burying ground on West Northfield Road, dating to Colonial times, had been established by Northfield Baptist Church, and was formally deeded in 1811 to the church by the congregant who owned the land. For more than two centuries, the congregation has taken care of the cemetery. Now, the graveyard – the final resting place of many notable Livingston settlers – is in limbo.This issue was first brought up in 2021, when some residents and town officials noted that they were unsure who would care for the cemetery after the church was demolished. At that time, some in town offered to pick up the mantle. When the Tribune wrote about this development, however, Pastor Picos wrote the paper to say that, while the sale of the church property was used to help fund buildings for two Bolivian congregations, Northfield Baptist still had a practicing congregation that would maintain the church. That was nearly two years ago, however, and, following his passing last year, the question of who will care for the cemetery is once again at the forefront.At a meeting earlier this month, Council members discussed the matter, unsure of who is currently caring for the property. If there is nobody left to contact about it, the town should designate a community organization to take on the maintenance. Perhaps this would be another Livingston congregation, the Livingston Historical Society, or one of the town’s many service organizations or scouting groups.The Northfield Cemetery is an important piece of this community’s history, and it deserves to have some basic upkeep at least once per season. We expect, should the town formally request it, that there would be no shortage of people, groups, and organizations willing to step up. Hopefully, this can be done soon.Board of EducationLast week, Fang Gong became the first resident to throw her hat in the ring ...
